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Do looks matter for an academic career in economics?

Author

Listed:
  • Hale, Galina
  • Regev, Tali
  • Rubinstein, Yona

Abstract

We show that physical appearance plays a role in the success of economics PhD graduates and investigate the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship. Leveraging a unique dataset of career and research productivity trajectories of PhD graduates from leading economics departments in the United States, we provide robust evidence that appearance is a predictive factor for both research productivity and job placement. Our analysis goes beyond establishing the association between attractiveness and success within the profession. By jointly examining appearance, job outcome, and research productivity, as well as the longitudinal development of the latter two over time, we show that the effect of appearance can be partially, but not fully, attributed to its role as a predictor of research productivity, with the remainder of the effect reflecting an intrinsic demand for attractiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Hale, Galina & Regev, Tali & Rubinstein, Yona, 2023. "Do looks matter for an academic career in economics?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120508, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:120508
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/120508/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Biddle, Jeff E & Hamermesh, Daniel S, 1998. "Beauty, Productivity, and Discrimination: Lawyers' Looks and Lucre," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 16(1), pages 172-201, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lepinteur, Anthony & Nistico, Roberto, 2025. "‘Based on Admin Data!’: How Administrative Data Fosters Young Economists’ Career," IZA Discussion Papers 17906, IZA Network @ LISER.
    2. Di Tommaso, Maria Laura & Mendolia, Silvia & Palmaccio, Silvia & Savio, Giulia, 2026. "Is Physical Unattractiveness a Risk Factor for Sexual Violence Perpetration? Evidence from the U.S," IZA Discussion Papers 18370, IZA Network @ LISER.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General

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